Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom, 1908, 1941,1954-1964

Summary

Creator:
Thornton, Ella May, 1885-
Date:
1908, 1941,1954-1964
Extent:
1 folder(s)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom, ms569, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of magazine articles, excerpts, and reprinted articles Ella May Thornton collected that are associated with Blind Tom Wiggins. The collection also consists of a photograph of Blind Tom, photocopy of "Battle of Manassas", and correspondence between Thornton and staff at public record offices, libraries and museums regarding Thornton's inquiry of Blind Tom and the men who enslaved him.

Biographical / historical:

Ella May Thornton was the former State Librarian for the state of Georgia.

Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (1849-1908) was an African American musician and composer. Blind from birth and born into slavery, Wiggins became well known for his piano virtuosity. Though undiagnosed at the time, it is likely that he was autistic as well.

--Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins (1849-1908). New Georgia Encyclopedia. http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/thomas-blind-tom-wiggins-1849-1908 (Retrieved October 23, 2015)

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Ella May Thornton collection regarding Blind Tom, ms569, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.